Mequon WI. 
On my way to work this morning, I took a different route. I wanted to mix things up…partly because I need a change of pace; partly because I needed a bit more time to pass before I walked into the office! Driving the side roads of Mequon, a suburb of Milwaukee, I passed a Milwaukee icon: the Alpine Village restaurant. My family frequented this place many times over the years. It reminds me of the years my grandparents moved from restaurant to restaurant via the Entertainment Coupon book. Each year, we’d get to go to Alpine Village as a special treat. We gave a special treat back to my grandmother in 2005 when we celebrated her 80th birthday. We invited all of her sisters, cousins, and last remaining uncles to share in the occasion. This restaurant featured German and Swiss fare. It’s decor was that of a Swiss chalet and it was augmented by live piano music. The music itself really hit home for those born before 1930!!!
A few months ago, it was announced that the owners had enough of the restaurant business. They had decided to retire and sell the place. It will become a Mexican restaurant…kind of a theme of late in our city. I was reminded of the change this morning as I drove past. The cream stucco with dark brown wood beam framing is changing. The cream is turning into a bright, Caribbean blue. The brown is taking on a terra cotta look. (We’re nearing cliche colors for Mexican here!!!)
I will definitely try out the new restaurant being so close to our home. However, I’ll never forget those great family memories of the “Alpine.” So long good friend!
